Jefferson County’s next fiscal year budget will include a new position at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office — a move that Commission Chair Mark Wunsch called the “number one priority” as budget discussions unfolded this spring.
The new full-time employee will cost the county roughly $250,000, including training and equipment. If the position requires a newer law enforcement officer who needs academy training, the process could take six months to a year before the hire is officially sworn in.
Why Now?
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has been operating with a lean patrol division for years. At times, the county of roughly 22,000 people spread across 1,781 square miles has had only a single deputy on duty for the entire county during certain hours of the day — a fact Sheriff Jason Pollock has previously noted on the department’s public website.
“Like many agencies across Oregon and the nation, staffing remains one of the greatest challenges in public safety. That said, our employees continue to do an outstanding job under demanding conditions, and I am proud of the work they do every day.” — Sheriff Jason Pollock
Growing demand from call volume, jail operations, court responsibilities, and major case investigations has put pressure on existing staff for years, according to the county.
Rising Costs of Public Safety
Pollock acknowledged that the cost of providing public safety has “changed significantly” in recent years, mirroring pressures felt by local governments across the country.
“Like families, farms, and businesses, local government has experienced major increases in the cost of fuel, utilities, food, medical care, insurance, equipment, maintenance, technology, and contracted services. Those rising costs affect every part of government operations, including corrections.”
Budget Context
The proposed 2026-27 budget was outlined in a message from budget officer Kelly Simmelink — who is also the incumbent commissioner running for re-election in Position 2 — and county administrative officer Jeff Rasmussen. They described the budget as one that “advances Jefferson County’s core priorities while navigating a multi-year plan to restore General Fund structural balance.”
Wunsch, who has heard from constituents that more law enforcement presence is a community priority, said the new position reflects what residents have been asking for.
“I hear a lot of, ‘We just want more police officers or deputies out on the streets.’”
The new position will be subject to formal budget adoption by the county commission. If hiring moves quickly, a new deputy could begin training as early as this fall.